Overview:
After a shimmer-filled performance of “Devil Like Me” and “First Class” sent the crowd into orbit, Rainbow Kitten Surprise’s live show at Firefly Distillery proved once again that their mixture of high-energy indie rock and deeply personal lyrics resonates in any venue. We look back on how the band got here, revisited their unique sound and journey, and relive last night’s standout moments.
A Firefly Night to Remember
The October air over Firefly Distillery buzzed with anticipation. Under string lights and the faint scent of whiskey barrels, Rainbow Kitten Surprise stepped out to a sea of fans ready for connection, catharsis, and color.
The opening notes of “Devil Like Me” rippled through the crowd—a song that has long been a window into the band’s emotional core. Lead vocalist Ela Melo’s voice carried an unmistakable rawness, resonating with both longtime followers and first-time listeners. The song built layer by layer. Eventually, the audience was shouting the chorus in unison—an anthem shared between artist and listener.
Later in the night, “First Class” brought the house down. The distillery courtyard turned into a chorus of phone lights and open arms, with fans belting every lyric like it was the first time they’d ever sung it. Reader Vivian, who sent in footage of the live moment, described it best: “It wasn’t just a concert—it felt like everyone there was part of something bigger.”
From Boone Beginnings to the Big Stage
Rainbow Kitten Surprise’s story is as distinctive as their name. Formed in Boone, North Carolina, in 2013 by Ela Melo and Darrick “Bozzy” Keller while attending Appalachian State University, the duo recorded their earliest songs right in their dorm room. Those humble sessions became the foundation for their debut EP Mary. Later, it was expanded into Seven + Mary.
Their sound—an alchemy of indie rock, folk, alternative, and hip-hop influence—stood out immediately. It was heartfelt, poetic, and completely unique. As the lineup expanded to include guitarist Ethan Goodpaster, drummer Jess Haney, and bassist Charlie Holt, the band’s sonic range and live chemistry deepened.
National attention arrived with their 2018 album How To: Friend, Love, Freefall. This record featured the breakout hit “It’s Called: Freefall.” It introduced listeners to the band’s lyrical honesty and haunting energy, qualities that would define their artistry through the years.
A Journey of Growth and Resilience
Like many artists, RKS has faced its share of turbulence. In recent years, front-person Ela Melo came out publicly as transgender—a deeply personal milestone that added new emotional resonance to the band’s lyrics. After a temporary hiatus in 2023 for mental health recovery, the group returned rejuvenated. With their 2024 album Love Hate Music Box, they earned praise for its depth and vulnerability.
Their Firefly Distillery performance felt like both a homecoming and a fresh start. Every note was delivered with gratitude, every lyric sung with conviction.
The Firefly Experience
Firefly Distillery, one of Charleston’s most beloved outdoor venues, proved a fitting backdrop for the night. The intimacy of the space allowed the audience to feel every heartbeat of the performance. The mix of laughter, tears, and applause created a sense of community that lingered long after the final encore.
When the band closed the show, Melo paused to thank the crowd:
“We’ve been through a lot to get here. You all showing up—it means everything.”
It wasn’t just a concert; it was a reflection of everything that makes Rainbow Kitten Surprise who they are—open, human, and unafraid to feel deeply.
What Comes Next
As their tour continues, Rainbow Kitten Surprise seems to be stepping into a new chapter—one marked by renewal, truth, and connection. For those lucky enough to be at Firefly last night, it was a reminder that the magic of live music is still alive and well. RKS continues to be one of the most genuine acts in modern indie music.
Sources:
Charlotte Observer, Paste Magazine, WPLN, CBS News, Red Light Management, Firefly Distillery, Wikipedia, reader submission (Vivian, 2025).
More at Presence:
